Cooper Flagg has officially arrived as Mavs rookie breaks LeBron’s NBA record

Ladies and gentleman, girls and boys, Cooper Flagg has officially arrived in the NBA. The No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft inspired the Dallas Mavericks to a much needed victory over the Los Angeles Clippers with a career-best performance, breaking a league record in the process.

Flagg sets an NBA record before turning 19

The small forward put up 35 points and eight rebounds as the Mavs edged out a 114-110 win thanks to a strong second half showing.

Along the way, Flagg became the youngest player in NBA history to score at least 35 points in a game, breaking a record previously held by none other than LeBron James. Flagg hit the mark at 18 years and 343 days, beating The King by just five days.

James, however, is still the man to catch when it comes to most points scored in a game before turning 19. He posted 37 and 36 point outings within a week back in December 2003. Flagg has three weeks to make a run at that milestone.

James and Flagg are the only two players in NBA history to score at least 30 points in a game before the age of 19.

A much needed lift for Dallas

The teenager’s achievement offered the Mavericks some badly needed hope after a difficult start to the season.

Off the court, General Manager Nico Harrison, who played a key role in allowing Luka Doncic to move to the Los Angeles Lakers, was fired. Anthony Davis, who arrived as part of the Doncic trade, has continued to struggle with injuries, while nine time All Star Kyrie Irving is still months away from returning after an ACL tear.

Mavs still within reach of the play-in

On the court, the Mavs lost seven of their first nine games and have only marginally improved to 6-15, which leaves them 12th in the Western Conference.

But with Flagg seemingly now finding his feet, there is still plenty of time for a playoff push. Dallas sit 2.5 games behind the Memphis Grizzlies, who are 10th and hold the final play in tournament spot.

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